Rupture panel

ABSTRACT

A rupture panel of three layers employs a lower layer (e.g. foam) that is adhesive, a middle layer (e.g. metallic) and a hold down layer. The middle layer has a weakened portion (scoring, openings, for example) that defines the panel burst pressure. A part of the lower layer does not connect to the middle layer. That part that does not connect to the middle layer adheres to the hold down layer. The hold down layer can be in the form of a ring with an open center, the weakened portion of the middle layer occupying a position within the open center of the hold down layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/852,975,filed Aug. 9, 2010 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,322,360 on 4 Dec. 2012),which is a non-provisional patent application of U.S. Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/232,229, filed 7 Aug. 2009, each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

Priority of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/232,229,filed 7 Aug. 2009, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

Incorporated herein by reference is International Patent ApplicationSerial No. PCT/US11/47070, filed 9 Aug. 2011.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to rupture disks and panels, and moreparticularly to an improved rupture panel arrangement. Even moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an improved rupture panelthat features a peripheral sealing arrangement. The sealing arrangementis achieved by using a three layer construction that includes a lowerseal layer of adhesive backed foam (e.g. polyethylene foam), a metalmembrane layer or “top” with slits and/or holes that determine burstpressure (e.g. 316 stainless steel), and a hold down ring that is heldin place by adhesive from the foam seal layer that is exposed at theperimeter or through holes in the metal membrane top.

2. General Background of the Invention

Many patents (examples follow herein) have issued that relate to rupturepanels and disks. Some of these patents relate to rupture panels thatinclude a larger, often rectangular or square (or other) shaped panelmember having a peripheral frame or border that supports it. An exampleof such a rupture panel can be seen in the Fike U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,154.The '154 patent discloses a flexible, low-mass, non-fragmenting burstmember or panel which is said to be extremely predictable andessentially instantaneous in operation, even at low burst pressures, inorder to safely vent and protect pressure vessels such as bag houses orthe like from the potentially catastrophic effects of internalexplosions or adverse high-pressure conditions. The panel structurepreferably includes a thin metallic substrate having a pattern of tapedirectly applied thereto, with a coating of epoxy paint over the tapepattern and substrate; sharp-breaking, shear burst lines are therebyproduced along the edges of the tape pattern which ensures that thepanel will instantaneously vent a pressure vessel through essentiallythe entire area of full vent opening, thus giving a degree ofoperational predictability impossible to attain with conventionalburst-type venting structures.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,739 discloses a low pressure venting panel that actsto safely vent a pressure vessel, such as a bag house, from overpressureconditions. The venting panel is said to be particularly responsive andpredictable at low pressures. The panel includes a thin rupture bodywith a central group of apertures and slit lines emanating from theapertures. A thin sealing membrane is bonded to one surface of therupture body at least in the area of the slits. The characteristics ofthe sealing membrane are said to enable the membrane to resist expansionin the area of the slits when pressure is applied to the rupture body,thereby resisting rupture of the membrane up to the design rupture limitof the venting panel. Various aperture patterns in the center of therupture body are provided to facilitate predictable opening. The slitsare divided into segments connected by bridges to help prevent the slitsfrom separating and the sealing membrane from creeping through the slitsprior to rupture. Protective strips adjacent the slits are positionedbetween the rupture body and the sealing membrane to reduce creep of themembrane through the slits prior to rupture. A vacuum support grid isprovided for the panel to support the sealing membrane against a vacuumacting thereon opposite the rupture body.

In the Fons U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,793, a cover plate is retained in arubber elastic sealing clamping section and is supported by at least onecounter support constituted by a lever arm which will be swung from itssupporting position when the load limit is exceeded.

A rupture panel in the form of a silo explosion door is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,750,303. The explosion door serves as a safetyprotection apparatus to prevent damage resulting from an explosionwithin a silo from inadvertently generated gaseous pressures.

The Robinson U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,180 provides a vibration resistantrupturable pressure relief member for protecting structure subject tovibration from reaching an overpressure condition. The rupturablepressure relief member is comprised of a rupture panel having anelongated concave-convex bulged portion formed therein and having ascore pattern on a side thereof which includes an elongated scoreextending longitudinally across the bulged portion the ends of whichconnect with additional divergent scores forming opposing V-shapes.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,909 there is provided a hygienic pressure reliefpanel unit which is said to reliably rupture at a predetermined pressurein order to prevent buildup of dangerous pressure within protectedstructure such as a vessel or the like defining an enclosed space, whichprevents media passage there through before rupture, and which issupposed to present a sanitary, easily cleanable surface toward thevessel interior in order to inhibit accumulation of food particles, dustor the like. A preferred panel unit includes a slotted stainless steelpanel with the slots configured as a line of weakness for separation ata predetermined pressure, a sheet of PTFE material prepared on one sidethereof to present an adhesive bonding surface, and an adhesive couplingthe sheet and the panel, whereby the panel unit can be placed in acovering relationship with the vent opening of the protected structuredin order to present the outer face of the PTFE sheet toward the vesselinterior. The panel can include a series of slotted apertures definedthere through configured to present a line of weakness, defining threesides of a rectangle. The line of weakness defines the predeterminedamount of pressure at which the panel ruptures.

The Short U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,632 discloses a pressure relief panelassembly that includes a single rupture panel which includes a domedportion connected to a peripheral flat flange portion and has at leastone slit formed therein defining a hinged blow-out part. The hingedblow-out part is connected to the remaining part of the rupture panel byan unslit hinge area and a plurality of rupture tabs.

A multiple dome single-panel explosion vent is disclosed in the LeonardU.S. Pat. No. 6,070,365. The explosion vent includes a peripheral flangeconfigured for attachment to the enclosure around the opening, apressure relief panel positioned within and hingedly connected to theflange, and a plurality of connectors or rupture tab assembliesconnecting the unhinged portion of the pressure relief panel to theflange. The connectors break when the enclosure is subjected to pressurebuild-up for permitting the panel to shift outwardly from the enclosurefor uncovering the opening in the enclosure. Rivets are provided forattaching the rupture tab assemblies to the pressure relief panel whichfunction to provide additional panel support and minimize localizedbending of the rupture tabs forming a part of assemblies when theexplosion vent is subjected to vacuum conditions, but do not interferewith rupture of the tabs and opening of the panel at a relatively lowburst pressure. The pressure relief panel has a plurality of domedsections presenting at least one valley defining bridge there between.The domed sections and bridges cooperate to stiffen the panel so that itmore uniformly distributes force on the connectors, causing all of theconnectors to break at approximately the same time so that the panelmore consistently opens at a selected burst pressure level.

U.S. Patent 6,367,203 discloses a rupture panel that employs multiplelayers including sealing members.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a rupture panel for relieving pressurebetween the interior of a pressurized vessel and an extension of thevessel. The rupture panel includes multiple layers. A first layer has anadhesive surface with a first area. A second layer has weakened portions(e.g. scoring and/or openings) that define a burst pressure value.

A third layer is a hold down layer that sandwiches the second layer inbetween the first and the third layer and connecting to the adhesivesurface of the first layer.

The second layer has an area that is smaller than the first area. Thethird layer connects to the first layer at portions of the first layerthat are not connected by the second layer. A frame that holds thelayers next to the vessel.

In one embodiment, the rupture panel is a foam layer.

In one embodiment, the rupture panel has a periphery and one or moreopening next to the periphery.

In one embodiment, the first layer is a foam layer.

In one embodiment, the first layer has a periphery and one or moreopening next to the periphery.

In one embodiment, the second layer is of a metallic material.

In one embodiment, the second layer has one or more scores that defineat least in part the weakened portions.

In one embodiment, the second layer has one or more openings that defineat least in part the weakened portions.

In one embodiment, the second layer has opening and scores that defineat least in part the weakened portions.

In one embodiment, the first layer has a thickness of between about 1/32and ⅛ inches.

In one embodiment, the second layer has a thickness of between about0.020 and 0.125 inches.

In one embodiment, the third layer has a thickness of between about0.001 and 0.015 inches.

In one embodiment, the second layer has a thickness of between about0.020 and 0.125 inches.

In one embodiment, the third layer has a thickness of between about0.001 and 0.015 inches.

In one embodiment, the third layer has a thickness of between about0.001 and 0.015 inches.

In one embodiment, the third layer has a thickness of between about0.001 and 0.015 inches.

In one embodiment, the fasteners secure the layers to the frame.

In one embodiment, the fasteners include bolted connections.

In one embodiment, the fasteners include screws.

In one embodiment, the fasteners includes threaded studs.

In one embodiment, the adhesive surface deters lateral movement of onelayer in relation to another layer.

In one embodiment, the first layer is at least partially compressed bythe frame and fasteners.

In one embodiment, the first layer occupies a first place wherein thefirst layer engages the second layer and a second plane wherein thefirst layer engages the third layer.

In one embodiment, a peripheral portion of the first layer extendsaround the second layer.

In one embodiment, the peripheral portion of the third layer extendsaround the second layer.

In one embodiment, the rupture panel further comprises a vessel and theframe is mounted to the vessel.

The present invention provides a rupture panel for relieving pressurebetween the interior of a pressurized vessel and the exterior of thevessel, comprising a first layer having a first area, a second layerthat has an area, a periphery, and weakened portions that define a burstpressure value, the area of the second layer being smaller than the areaof the first layer, the weakened portions being spaced inwardly of saidperiphery, a third layer that is a hold down layer that sandwiches thesecond layer in between the first and the third layer layers, the thirdlayer connecting to the first layer with adhesive, the third layerconnecting to the first layer at portions of the first layer that areoutside of the periphery of the second layer, and a frame that holds thelayers to the vessel.

In one embodiment, the first layer has an outer edge and one or moreopenings next to the outer edge.

The present invention includes a rupture panel for relieving pressurebetween the interior of a pressurized enclosure and the exterior of theenclosure, comprising a first layer that has a first area, a secondlayer that has an area and one or more weakened portions that define aburst pressure value, the area of the second layer being smaller thanthe area of the first layer, a third layer that is a hold down layer,the first and third layer on opposing sides of the second layer, and thethird layer connecting to the first layer with an adhesive, the thirdlayer connecting to the first layer at portions of the first layer thatare not connected to the second layer, and connections that enableattachment of the layers to the enclosure.

In one embodiment, the adhesive is an adhesive on said first layer.

In one embodiment, the second layer is a metal layer.

In one embodiment, the second layer has one or more slits that define atleast in part the weakened portions.

In one embodiment, the second layer has openings and slits that defineat least in part the weakened portions.

In one embodiment, fasteners secure the layers to the enclosure.

In one embodiment, the connections include fasteners.

In one embodiment, the first layer is at least partially compressedbetween the enclosure and the fasteners.

In one embodiment, the rupture panel further comprises the enclosure towhich the layers are attached.

The present invention includes a rupture panel for relieving pressurebetween the interior of a pressurized vessel and the exterior of thevessel, comprising a first layer having a first area, a second layerthat has an area, a periphery, and weakened portions that define a burstpressure value, a third layer that is a hold down layer, the first andthird layer on opposing sides of the second layer, and the third layerconnecting to the first layer with an adhesive, the third layerconnecting to the first layer at portions of the first layer that areoutside of the periphery of the second layer, and one or moreconnections that connect the layers to the vessel.

In one embodiment, the first and second layers are of differentmaterials.

In one embodiment, the second layer has a combination of openings andscores that define at least in part the weakened portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view that illustrates assembly of a preferredembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-10 show a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the presentinvention, designated generally by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 4-5 and 8-9.Rupture panel apparatus 10 includes three pieces or layers 11, 12, 13.The piece or layer 11 is a lower layer that can be an adhesive backedfoam seal layer. Layer or piece 11 can be a closed cell polyethylenefoam as an example.

The second piece or layer 12 is a metal membrane. The layer or pieces 12can be a thin metal membrane with a weakened portion such as scoring,slits, or scores and/or holes that determine the burst pressure of theapparatus. Piece 12 can be a stainless steel layer, such as 316stainless steel.

The third piece or layer 13 is a hold down ring. The layer or piece 13is held in place by adhesive from the first layer 11 that is exposed atthe perimeter or periphery of the layer or piece 12 or through holes oropenings or slots in the layer 12 as seen in FIGS. 4-11.

Layer 11 can provide an adhesive surface 14. The layer 11 also has aperipheral edge 15. The edge 15 can be generally rectangular or squareas shown in FIG. 3. Corner openings 16 are provided at the corners 16 oflayer 11 as shown in FIG. 3. Intermediate openings 17 are provided inbetween each pair of corner openings as seen in FIG. 3.

Metal membrane layer 12 has scoring or other weakened portion(s) such asa score or slit 18 or a plurality of scores or slits 18. Openings 19 canbe provided in layer 12 as shown in FIG. 2. A combination of scores 18and openings 19 can be designed to determine the burst pressure of theapparatus 10. The burst pressure can be determined by making the slitslonger and/or by making them deeper. Likewise the openings 19 can bemade smaller or larger. By varying the length of scores 18, the depth ofscores 18 and the diameter of openings 19, a selected burst of pressurecan be achieved. Layer 12 has a peripheral edge 20. The peripheral edge20 includes projecting portions 21. An opening 22 is provided in layer12 next to each projecting portion 21 as shown.

Hold down ring layer 13 has a central opening 23. The layer 13 can begenerally rectangular or square as shown in FIG. 1. The opening 23 canbe generally square or rectangular as shown in FIG. 1. Layer 13 has aperiphery or peripheral edge 24 that is generally square or rectangular.Central opening 23 is defined by inner edge 25 which is generally squareor rectangular.

A plurality of corner openings 26 are provided in hold down ring 13. Oneopening 26 is provided at each corner in FIG. 1. Intermediate openings27 are provided, one opening 27 in between each pair of corner openings26 as shown in FIG. 1.

When the layers 11, 12, 13 are assembled, openings 16, 26 align as shownin FIGS. 5-7. Similarly, openings 17, 22, 27 align as shown in FIGS.5-7. In FIGS. 8 and 9, an exemplary instillation is shown wherein theapparatus 10 is installed for controlling excess pressure of a vessel.The vessel 50 has an opening 30. First conduit 28 is attached to vessel50 at opening 30. Conduit 28 has an opening or bore 29.

A second conduit 31 is provided. Each of the conduits 28, 31 provides anopening or bore. The conduit 28 has opening or bore 29. The conduit 31has opening or bore 32. Each of the conduits 28, 31 can be provided withan angular flange. These angular flanges enable the layers 11, 12, 13 tobe clamped together between the angular flanges as shown in FIGS. 8 and9. Conduit 28 provides angular flange 33 having the flange openings 34that are receptive of bolted connections or other fasteners. The boltedconnections in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be in the form of bolts 39 and nuts 40.The flange openings 34, 36 align for accepting a bolt 39 as shown inFIG. 8. Similarly, the openings 16, 26 align as do the openings 17, 22,27 for receiving bolts 39 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 12 illustratesthat multiple rupture panels 10 can be manufactured at the same time aspart of a sheet 37. In FIG. 12, sixteen rupture panels 10 are shown asmanufactured in sheet 37 form. The individual panels 10 can be separatedat cut or tear lines 38. To make the sheet 37, a first layer wouldinclude sixteen sections of layer 11, sixteen of membrane layers 12 andsixteen hold down ring layers 13.

Parts List:

The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in thepresent invention:

Parts Number Description 10 rupture panel 11 adhesive backed seal layer12 membrane layer 13 hold down ring layer 14 adhesive surface 15peripheral edge 16 corner opening 17 intermediate opening 18 score/slit19 opening 20 peripheral edge 21 projecting portion 22 opening 23central opening 24 peripheral edge 25 inner edge 26 corner opening 27intermediate opening 28 first conduit 29 opening/bore 30 vessel opening31 wall Second conduit 32 opening/bore 33 flange 34 opening 35 flange 36opening 37 multiple panel sheet 38 tear or cut line 39 bolt 40 nut 50vessel

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; thescope of the present invention is to be limited only by the followingclaims.

1. A rupture panel for relieving pressure between the interior of apressurized enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure, comprising: a)a first layer that has a first area; b) a second layer that has an areaand one or more weakened portions that define a burst pressure value,the area of the second layer being smaller than the area of the firstlayer; c) a third layer that is a hold down layer, the first and thirdlayer on opposing sides of the second layer, and the third layerconnecting to the first layer with an adhesive; d) the third layerconnecting to the first layer at portions of the first layer that arenot connected to the second layer; and e) connections that enableattachment of the layers to the enclosure.
 2. The rupture panel of claim1 wherein the adhesive is an adhesive on said first layer.
 3. Therupture panel of claim 1 wherein the first layer is a foam layer.
 4. Therupture panel of claim 1 wherein the second layer is a metal layer. 5.The rupture panel of claim 1 wherein the first layer has a periphery andone or more openings next to the periphery.
 6. The rupture panel ofclaim 1 wherein the second layer is of a metallic material.
 7. Therupture panel of claim 1 wherein the second layer has one or more scoresthat define at least in part the weakened portions.
 8. The rupture panelof claim 1 wherein the second layer has one or more slits that define atleast in part the weakened portions.
 9. The rupture panel of claim 1wherein the second layer has one or more openings that define at leastin part the weakened portions.
 10. The rupture panel of claim 1 whereinthe second layer has openings and scores that define at least in partthe weakened portions.
 11. The rupture panel of claim 1 wherein thesecond layer has openings and slits that define at least in part theweakened portions.
 12. The rupture panel of claim 1 wherein fastenerssecure the layers to the enclosure.
 13. The rupture panel of claim 1wherein the connections include fasteners.
 14. The rupture panel ofclaim 13 wherein the fasteners include bolted connections.
 15. Therupture panel of claim 13 wherein the fasteners include screws.
 16. Therupture panel of claim 13 wherein the fasteners includes threaded studs.17. The rupture panel of claim 1 wherein the adhesive deters lateralmovement of one layer in relation to another layer.
 18. The rupturepanel of claim 13 wherein the first layer is at least partiallycompressed between the enclosure and the fasteners.
 19. The rupturepanel of claim 1 wherein the first layer occupies a first plane whereinthe first layer engages the second layer and a second plane wherein thefirst layer engages the third layer.
 20. The rupture panel of claim 1wherein a peripheral portion of the first layer extends around thesecond layer.
 21. The rupture panel of claim 1 wherein a peripheralportion of the third layer extends around the second layer.
 22. Therupture panel of claim 1 further comprising the enclosure to which thelayers are attached.
 23. A rupture panel for relieving pressure betweenthe interior of a pressurized vessel and the exterior of the vessel,comprising: a) a first layer having a first area; b) a second layer thathas an area, a periphery, and weakened portions that define a burstpressure value; c) a third layer that is a hold down layer, the firstand third layer on opposing sides of the second layer, and the thirdlayer connecting to the first layer with an adhesive; d) the third layerconnecting to the first layer at portions of the first layer that areoutside of the periphery of the second layer; and e) one or moreconnections that connect the layers to the vessel.
 24. The rupture panelof claim 23 wherein the first and second layers are of differentmaterials.
 25. The rupture panel of claim 23 wherein the first layer hasan outer edge and one or more openings next to the outer edge.
 26. Therupture panel of claim 23 wherein the second layer is of a metallicmaterial.
 27. The rupture panel of claim 23 wherein the second layer hasone or more scores that define at least in part the weakened portions.28. The rupture panel of claim 23 wherein the second layer has one ormore slits that define at least in part the weakened portions.
 29. Therupture panel of claim 23 wherein the second layer has one or moreopenings that define at least in part the weakened portions.
 30. Therupture panel of claim 23 wherein the second layer has a combination ofopenings and scores that define at least in part the weakened portions.31. The rupture panel of claim 23 wherein the adhesive deters lateralmovement of one layer in relation to another layer.